Probably one of the most iconic summer treats in my house has always been the s’more. I have very distinct memories of making them all the time during the summer. And even more distinct ones of one of my brothers picking off the burnt part of his marshmallow and eating only that.

He knows he’s disgusting.

This was most likely such a strong memory for me because throughout my childhood, and even still, at least once a week my dad would haul out all of the boxes and wood pallets and start a bonfire.

We use to always joke how he would forget to let us know when he was doing one. Even though you could see the flames from the other side of the house (and sometimes across the street). The little firebug. But if you missed one you didn’t have to wait long for him to start another one.

He is a little too dedicated at times. Even when we had that spell of nonstop rain for a few weeks, he ran out and tried to start one. Dodging raindrops for the sake of fire. The cavemen would be proud.

Even now, he is already talking about having his next bonfire. Even though he just had one a day ago.

He may or may not have an obsession.

Since s’mores’ have always held a special place in my heart, I am so happy that several different companies have made vegan Marshmallows. I really was not looking forward to having to find a way to substitute them or to make my own.

Surprisingly enough switching from regular marshmallows to vegan marshmallows has been the least difficult task for my family. My dad actually prefers these new marshmallows because they have a richer, sweeter flavor that is essential for his s’mores.

But even more importantly, the stronger vanilla taste helps to cut the more bitter taste that dark chocolates can have. No one likes a bitter s’more.

And even though I know we have bonfires on a weekly basis, the in-between days are the hardest parts. It’s not so much the campfire itself that I miss. It’s more about the s’mores. I am always looking forward to that delicious combination.

Marshmallows. Graham Crackers. Chocolate.

Pure perfection.

But just because we’re not having a bonfire doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy these amazing treats. This week, I decided to try and give it a try in making a s’more inspired dessert that doesn’t need a campfire to be made. And slowly these bars were created.

But I didn’t just want the usual ingredients for these bars so I kicked it up a notch by adding one of my favorite cereals into the mix.

Rice Krispies.

Not only did they help to add bulk to this dessert but they also created a better binding agent for the top Layer of the bars. So instead of only biting into a thin layer of chocolate, you get a luscious layer of crispy rice puffs and creamy chocolate.

On top of this, these bars are also a perfect way to make s’mores a little less messy so you can enjoy them without your hands becoming covered with gooey marshmallows or melted chocolate. Perfect if you have a lot of younger kids around and don’t want be cleaning up each and every one of them after they have had a s’more.

Not surprisingly, my sister and dad destroyed these bars. They already cleaned off an entire pans worth of bars and are beginning to circle me for more.

The two of them are like sharks when it comes to desserts or anything sweet, I swear.

I originally had planned to use some extra spices in the ‘crust’ layer of these bars, but I know that my mom really does not like cinnamon. And of course that was my main plan.

So I opted out of doing anything and these bars were still perfect. But if you want a little something extra, feel free to play around with the crust layer. Add some spices or even cocoa powder to give it a little extra chocolate kick, which has already been requested by the masses.

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